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UPDATE: Irene Penn-O’Neal, Cordell O’Neal & Zubida O’Neal charged

-over guns and ammunition found in home during operations yesterday morning October 24, 2014
“Charged with unlawful possession of firearms were Irene Penn O’Neal, 55, Zubida O’Neal, 21, Cordell O’Neal, 29, all of Pockwood Pond and Shameek Grant, 21, of Johnson Ghut,” said a release from the Police Public Relations Department today October 25, 2014. Photo: VINO/File
Zubida O’Neal, 21, daughter of Irene Penn-O'Neal, was among those charged for possession of guns and ammunition. Photo: Facebook
Zubida O’Neal, 21, daughter of Irene Penn-O'Neal, was among those charged for possession of guns and ammunition. Photo: Facebook
Informed and reliable sources close to this news site have confirmed that a popular former legislator and two of the person's children are in hot water after guns and ammunition were found at their home. Photo: VINO/File
Informed and reliable sources close to this news site have confirmed that a popular former legislator and two of the person's children are in hot water after guns and ammunition were found at their home. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Police moments ago confirmed that of the nine persons taken into custody as a result of a Police Operation involving the execution of a number of search warrants at various addresses in Tortola yesterday morning October 24, 2014, six were formally charged; four with firearms related offences.

“Charged with unlawful possession of firearms were Irene Penn O’Neal, 55, Zubida O’Neal, 21, Cordell O’Neal, 29, all of Pockwood Pond and Shameek Grant, 21, of Johnson Ghut,” said a release from the Police Public Relations Department today October 25, 2014.

“In addition Malik Maduro of Long Bush was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and Keejan Thomas, 22, of Belmont Estate was charged with burglarizing three businesses on Frenchman’s Cay this week. All persons except Keejan Thomas were granted police bail,” the release said.

Besides the firearms and ammunition that were seized, suspected stolen goods were among the other items taken into police possession as a result of the operation, the release said.

See previous article published on October 24, 2014:

Illegal firearms & ammo found @ home of former legislator

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI‎ - Informed and reliable sources close to this news site have confirmed that a popular former legislator and two of the person's children are in hot water after guns and ammunition were found at their home.

This was said to have ‎been the case as Police Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) moved in on the home on the Westerly side of the Island sometime between 5-7 AM today October 24, 2014.

The legislator, a son and a daughter who were home at the time the search was conducted were all taken into custody.

Further details as to whether any of the trio has been formerly charged for the crime are not available at this time hence no name or direct description of any of the three persons allegedly involved can be released at this time.

When asked about the specific case allegedly involving the former legislator, Public Relations Officer of the RVIPF Ms Diane Drayton responded, "‎Police executed a number of operations this morning and a number of arrests were made. Investigations are ongoing. No one can be named."

Stay tuned for further details which will be released as they become available.

78 Responses to “UPDATE: Irene Penn-O’Neal, Cordell O’Neal & Zubida O’Neal charged”

  • tripple crown (24/10/2014, 14:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hmmm easy to know who that be western side, former legislator sound like the O'neal boy well well.
  • bay voter (24/10/2014, 14:51) Like (50) Dislike (50) Reply
    She still will replace archie
    • the rock (25/10/2014, 06:33) Like (63) Dislike (10) Reply
      if it is who we think it is she needs to put those 2 Inmature rascals out her house they are big man now..thats the problem here in the bvi local oarents wants to keep they grown children in the homes like babes!
    • jake (26/10/2014, 07:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Sad indeed
    • Corn bread (27/10/2014, 00:09) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      How she gonna replace him? From HMP? Don't be stupid, she is arrested and will not be elected for anything. Got her store in Pockwood pond and hat wasn't enough for her and her kids? Stupid family have so much and now shame they will never get past.
  • slick rick (24/10/2014, 15:16) Like (65) Dislike (14) Reply
    That poor woman :-(
  • Hmm (24/10/2014, 15:27) Like (27) Dislike (46) Reply
    there goes chances of re election...... if the son want how he is..... i would say NDP Plot lol
    • @ Hmm (26/10/2014, 04:10) Like (2) Dislike (52) Reply
      You need to stop she will replace ether ronnie archie or doc the only one might escape the voters wrath is funny man
  • *** (24/10/2014, 15:34) Like (18) Dislike (19) Reply
    How were they targeted? whistle blower or observation? just curious. it's not good either way.
    I'm glad they were pulled.
    • Scary Mary (24/10/2014, 16:31) Like (41) Dislike (10) Reply
      Perhaps this sort of thing is why we can’t get proper gun legislation in this place! People in high places have illegal guns.

      I am totally disgusted and regardless of who the “former” legislator might be, I appeal to all current legislators to do the right thing and get the new gun laws in place NOW! The people you serve are very tired of you dragging your feet!
      • @ Scary Mary (24/10/2014, 17:24) Like (28) Dislike (55) Reply
        get your NDP rass with the same old dull tired bronig glover packs spin..NDP must GO and WILL
        • Scary Mary (25/10/2014, 12:02) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
          I have been VIP nearly my entire adult life but admit (sadly) to voting for several of the current NDP bunch. Mea Culpa. I am as guilty as the next person - but see no viable options.

          I'd like to point out that gun legislation and who I may or may not support has absolutely NOTHING to do with this topic. I and many, many others are sick to death of people having illegal guns and ammunition and we want ACTION from our legislators. We want much stiffer penalties for those caught with illegal weapons and I don't give a rats behind WHO must suffer the consequences. Even if it were one of my own children and if found guilty, I'd want them to go to jail for a minimum of 5 to 7 years (with no chance of early release) and perhaps even longer! Second time offenders should get a minimum of 10 years.

          Maybe if we had some gun laws with TEETH and legislators with gumption, we wouldn't have to read about all these "alleged" criminals every other week! Perhaps these "allegedly" nasty people with their illegal weapons will think twice before procuring them.

          We were promised new gun legislation and we want it YESTERDAY!!!

          So go take your rude VIP "rass" (as you so eloquently put it) and go sit down.
  • virgin gorda (24/10/2014, 17:01) Like (66) Dislike (69) Reply
    We still going vote for her hands down!
  • ndp (24/10/2014, 17:31) Like (29) Dislike (57) Reply
    This is an NDP set up
    • @NDP (24/10/2014, 18:41) Like (67) Dislike (6) Reply
      Did NDP put the guns and ammunition in the house?
    • Cause (25/10/2014, 00:28) Like (7) Dislike (15) Reply
      @ ndp....IDIOT!
    • @ ndp (30/10/2014, 15:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is the prevalent mentality that VIP preys on to get in power. You believe any and everything they tell you or contrary to what was said or drummed in your empty head!! Such a shame!!! I only pray that when elections come round people like you find out you can't vote!!!
  • Justpeople (24/10/2014, 21:04) Like (36) Dislike (2) Reply
    Most of you who keep talking about NDP and VIP LIKE THEY ARE THE BE ALL, don't believe in yourself, don't believe you have anything to offer. This is why you depended on a political parties so heavily. The only thing needed from a Political part/member is for them to stay the hell out of your way dont' interfere with your progress and direct the ship in the direction the people see if.

    You guys make these people out to be gods, keep doing that and they will soon come to believe that they are entitled. Politicians are men and women who were ELECTED !!!!!!!! They aren't GOD, stop talking about them like they are. They should be the most humble and approachable people, their positions yes important should never be worn or seen!!!!
  • lawdy (24/10/2014, 21:13) Like (79) Dislike (2) Reply
    Her poor children going make her sh^* with shame. Smh
  • Blah Blah Blah (24/10/2014, 23:21) Like (28) Dislike (3) Reply
    Makes no difference cause once they go Magistrate court in front of that man they just going have to pay some petty fine and story done.
  • On looker (24/10/2014, 23:38) Like (7) Dislike (29) Reply
    At scary Mary.why u don't shut your mouth our go drown yourself please.
    • @On looker (25/10/2014, 17:43) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      You go drown yourself first and then Mary will follow...IDIOT!!!
  • kids (25/10/2014, 01:56) Like (41) Dislike (12) Reply
    She getting my vote for sure regardless sweet lady
  • wize up (25/10/2014, 05:56) Like (40) Dislike (5) Reply
    i am trying to figure-out why this person being blamed for the actions of the children...yes!!! the headline is great for the news but adult children has noting to do with the parents...were really love each-other in the bvi
    • Saddened (25/10/2014, 15:14) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
      The reason why you are still trying to figure things out is because you are too stupid to see otherwise. The guns and ammunitions were found at their hope Dodo Bird. If you are running a household you must be aware of what's going on there. Granted you won't know everything but you must have some knowledge. In this case you have two children with histories of recalcitrant behavior so you have to be even more vigilant. For those of you who are willing to make exceptions because of the family name you are just as culpable. This is why the BVI won't get any better. When it's Joe on the street you say send them to Balo but when it's someone with a name you are willing to make excuses and make exceptions.

      You can turn a blind eye and say that this has nothing to do with the parents because you are delusional. And for those of you who hate to see your children cry remember, if they don't cry now you will cry later. Nobody is happy about this but at some point we have to take full responsibility for what we do and the kind of environment we harbor. No matter how old your children are you have a right and a responsibility to ensure that your home is free of any kind of trouble. Come on now. If the police got tipped off about this activity to the extent that they could issue search warrants don't you think there were ominous signs in the house? Are we that daft or naive that we can't realize what's taking place under our noses?

      We have people talking about the 1 percent or 10 percent in the community when it comes to wealth but we never relate that or translate how this same 10 percent are also seemingly free from the wrath of the penal system. Those who don't have strings to pull to save them or their children from the system endure the indignity and we just stand by and act as if it’s their lot in life. We even go as far as casting aspersions on their characters. When it comes to certain other people we take a ‘hands-off’ approach. Again, this will forever be our downfall. If it’s good for the goose then it must be equally good for the gander like it or not.
  • W*F (25/10/2014, 08:21) Like (115) Dislike (0) Reply
    Many parents know about their children illegal activities and don't do anything about it. I have three children that live in my house (grown), and they have been alerted to the fact that if they bring anything in my house that is against the law, I will turn them in to the police. Parents need to take a stand against illegal activities even if it means giving up your children. I am waiting for the backlash, but I believe that building a decent law abiding and strong society begins with MODEL PARENTS.
    • xxxxx (25/10/2014, 11:00) Like (46) Dislike (6) Reply
      In the BVI, many, many, many parents are NOT model parents. There are parents professing to be STRICT christians and condone their children in ALL kinds of wrong. Why? Because these kinds of professed christians are like whitewashed graves. Having a clean appearance on the outside but dirty on the inside. These parents steal, they lie, they commit adultery, they are in drugs, they are involved with wicked spirits and so on. They then come to church for a few hours "worshipping" the living God and then they return to their vomit until the next church day. This is what their children are learning.
      • Also: (25/10/2014, 16:38) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
        They are gossippers of their neighbors and of members within their own congregations. They laugh in your faces and talk behind your backs. They are great pretenders. They talk about some of their own children in the company of their siblings and even to strangers. If they can do this to their own children, what about strangers like you and me? They are stumbling blocks for they do not speak the full truth about the word of God and when one does not speak the full truth, then they are plain liars. They are being deceitful. 95% truth is still a lie.
      • Guest (25/10/2014, 21:47) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        So true. Then they are quick to say "I aint see you church". I guarantee you, many who don't congregate with the wolves in sheep clothing are doing the best to keep on the straight and narrow way to God by not being infiltrated by their corruption.
      • x (01/11/2014, 06:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        This is so true..not for all but majority...I was married to one and I lived through it until I left. The men do all the dirty work, use down island men to go out at see with them and move the drugs n money. Cheat n beat there wives, while there wives drive nice cars spendind the money like they don't know where it came from. Go to church and pray for there husbands....how pathetic... So happy with out that bull s#!h in my life.
    • Amen (25/10/2014, 11:51) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      Exactly!
  • JVD (25/10/2014, 09:31) Like (28) Dislike (12) Reply
    The people love the former legislitor and we all still voting for her all the way
    • I say so (25/10/2014, 11:56) Like (36) Dislike (8) Reply
      You people seem to vote on love, popularity, like, what you can get or what is in it for me. Tired story. Start voting on platforms, persons of principle, people who think of others above self, people's persons, people who think outside the box, sincere, trustworthy and reliable.

      Any way she is a nice person. So sorry.
  • nonsense (25/10/2014, 11:50) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
    Which people? Speak for yourself. You have no voice for me.
  • mother (25/10/2014, 14:04) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    We try our best

    I don't think the children of today love their parents. Why i say that is because if the love us they won't be doing the Shttt they do to hurt us.

    I'm a mother, aunt, sister and gran mother
    • @mother (26/10/2014, 10:57) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      If they know you will bail them out , they will continue to do the crap. It's time for parents to pull the plug on their nonsense.
  • hellboy (25/10/2014, 14:32) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    deport dem
  • shade (25/10/2014, 14:50) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is why parents shouldn't spoil their children
  • facebook (25/10/2014, 15:00) Like (11) Dislike (12) Reply
    Don't show yourself off on facebook. See where your photo is now?

    • Really??!! (27/10/2014, 12:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      This won't faze them, they always getting away with slaps on the wrist. So I won't be surprised if this case is handled the same way!! You will see her/them posing still!
  • Lucky (25/10/2014, 17:52) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    we need to go house to house to get all the illegal guns in the territory off of the streets then test the ones they find for connections to the unsolved murders that plague the bvi
    • chad (26/10/2014, 06:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      what your saying is true but the if the police calling people to tell the coming how can it be done? corruption goes all the way to the top the people of tortola are in middle a war for survival. Friday shooting we have turn to the flipping wild wild west at the okay coral and that bad
  • GoonSquad (25/10/2014, 18:25) Like (24) Dislike (16) Reply
    Irene will be ok she is good people and she needs to get back in the HoA I rate her over myrun and achie any day plus she is local
  • Private Investigator (25/10/2014, 18:34) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am very certain that the Commissioner of Police said that for burglary and firearm and ammunition is no bail by the police. How come he gave all of these people bail? This man cannot be taken by his word for nothing. At least the son should have remained in custody because the police know who he is. David and James just need to go.
  • 7-day talk (25/10/2014, 18:57) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is just a 7-day talk and then will be water under the bridge like everything else in this place. Whatever the logic might be - its more frightening to be caught with a joint in your pocket for your own personal use, than to have an M16 and ammu to match that is meant to harm others. Pay a few dollars and they'll be free to go. On the Legislator, I don't know of her involvement and wouldn't label her, but one thing I know for sure, I always try to know what my kids (grown or not) bring under MY roof. The first law starts in my home. When kids are taught to fear God first and their parents second, then we wouldn't have them bringing disgrace on us. Parents, loving our kids isn't condoning the b.s. that they do while giving them a pat on the shoulder and bailing them out every time they get into something. When its time to love em tough, do so.
  • sidething (25/10/2014, 18:58) Like (14) Dislike (7) Reply
    If Kos was with me he wuda never been in that mess!
    • JEALOUSY (26/10/2014, 11:03) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      This is probably why he isn't with you. See how malicious and miserable you are. Posting this mess on the blog. People really should not rejoice at another human being's trouble.
    • Trapper (26/10/2014, 18:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Lol u ah mess
  • Potential wifey (25/10/2014, 21:37) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    Same here girl!
  • Fair (25/10/2014, 22:02) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    Big man fess up and own up to all them thing, I can't imagine putting my mother tru that even she knew about everything i was gonna take the rap. Just look at this u gonna have ur mother as a cellmate what a thing.
  • Blue (25/10/2014, 22:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Have to agree with xxxxx a bunch of hypocrites in de place going church and preaching bible, some a them driving around de place with heavily tinted vehicles and are gossip talking freaks in broad daylight and quick to judge people...people wise up and look at yourself first and stop condemning others so quickly...none of us are without sin! We need the hand of zues on some of us that are quick to judge people...
  • be rational (25/10/2014, 22:29) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    My ppl... Put aside the politics, I guess if someone with NDP background gets in an accident we'll blame it on VIP...This goes much more deeper than politics., its call life... Hope that you all understand where I'm coming from.. Bless...
    O'Neal family, unlike the other people here bringing y'all down, I might not be VIP but I'll say a prayer for you all, cuz this could happen to any other family here on the island.. Stay safe..
  • Hmmmmm (26/10/2014, 02:54) Like (39) Dislike (2) Reply
    Seriously she is a very kind lady and love her family but they don't lover her only themselves. She need to stop stepping in to bail them when they get in problems and leave them feel the pain of adulthood. Really if that guy love his mother and want to protect her and return the sacrifices she has made he would man up and stop being a punk and take responsibility for this. If the other brother cared enough about his mother then he should step in and whip the two of them behind for getting their mother in problems. Irene it might be hard but put them ass out and let them find their way. Stop breast feeding big children. GET OUT THE HOUSE.
  • chad (26/10/2014, 06:00) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    How the high and might you can do what you want for some of the time but you cant do it all the time my granny said so i didnt understand what for a long they been doing wrong and getting away with it but the world wrong and the shit you. do comes backs at you. when you teacher your children that they are above the by "you know who i iz, you who mt parents iz not are " and parents run acting stupid saying the same thing .what do you expect your dragon you created turns on you. i want to feel sorry for her but the saying is spear the child it is every so true.
  • voter (26/10/2014, 11:20) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Those children need serious licks for getting their mother mix up in this foolishness. She need to kick them to the curb to fend for themselves
  • BH (26/10/2014, 11:51) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    send them home
  • Universal Principle (26/10/2014, 12:03) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Let the case drag on past nomination day and see how she get on the ballot paper. Elections are decided in favour of party most talked about. What you think about the most you will bring about. What you ard passionate about the most will also be brougjt about by your thoughts and actions. NDP or VIP who will it be? Keep cussing and you will get your results election day.
  • Funny (26/10/2014, 12:10) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply

    Look how she put the BE.VI shirt to damn shame! KJ need to sue her a..!

  • bystander (26/10/2014, 18:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    U sound like ah hater
  • mana (26/10/2014, 21:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Leave irene alone .hope when you guys turn come you can take it .i have kids too and dont know what they bringing in my house .am not a mother that search tru there room so anything is possible i really believe the older son who own up to the guns .and free the others.
    • llort (26/10/2014, 23:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      u mad bro
    • mis-guided (27/10/2014, 09:23) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      You sound so mis-guided and delusional. You have children living in your home and you don't know what they bring in the house? You know why? Because you turn a blind eye if what they bring in is a benefit to you, and you profit. It is parents like you who is flooding the streets with criminals. You need Jesus, and Parenting Therapy. Do your self the favour so that you can become a better person and a role model to your children and others in the community. God Bless you.
  • candy (26/10/2014, 22:29) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cordell is a real ****! Instead of owning up to your wrong you'd watch your mom get arrested?!! Seriously?!! This woman has done nothing but be a devoted mother and this is the thanks she get. Cordell didn't need any bail. As a matter of fact, those two bad eggs need to get out her house. Mrs O'Neal, they're passed the age of 18... YOUR JOB IS DONE, put them out or you will get something worst than this.

    Oh yea, I'm still voting for you! This shall pass
  • jop (27/10/2014, 09:24) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    no more politics for her. Her children have practically ruined her career. People saying they still voting for her, I dont think she can run with a rap sheet.
    • Mannix (28/10/2014, 05:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      To jop: she is not convicted of anything. Where is the rap sheet? Jak Nanny A$$.
  • Real (29/10/2014, 07:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is so sad. She enables these children so much, you can't even assume whether she knew about the firearms or not. We can only speculate. I pity enabling parents... cause I think they really do believe they should support their children no matter what. But that's a dangerous fallacy.
  • Get It Over And Done (01/11/2014, 12:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Magistrate please dont waste time place the mandatory fine for these class of people $2,000:00 and be over with this thing asap. Gavel pounds, NEXT!!!!!!
  • Troy Dundas (13/05/2015, 09:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's sad to see such a great and respected mother put in such a mess up situation my heart and prayers goes out to her and family.


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